July 14th, 2026Vale Petrus Spronk
Words from friend Maia Irell
“This beautiful man, Petrus Spronk meant so much to all of us together and apart.
As Tina (Banitska) said, we’ve lost the patriarch of our town.
Friend, son, father, uncle, brother, beloved artist, thinker, disciplined Do-er.
Ceramic bowls, casts of pears, of rabbits, mud balls, sand sculptures, mirrors of birds in flight on hospital walls and amphitheatres, story teller, fighter for justice, book author, extreme Words in Winter event creator, mentor to many young and old, magical human who pulled together music and words, sounds and vibes, light and dark, to make us feel.
I felt loved and cared for by Petrus, he took us just as we were.
His repertoire goes on…like our love for him which purls out drowsily behind us.
May we write poetry and letters to each other, collect acorns and fallen bits of nature, share ideas and support and love, construct temples in the worship of our gardens, be curious, dream big.
I’m sure I’ve missed a lot, but just totally heartbroken.
Vaya con dios, Peti.”
A memorial service was held for Petrus at the Daylesford Town Hall on Friday, July 10.
A Words in Winter event in Petrus’ honour has sold out.
Pictured, Petrus’ Feast on the opening night of the Daylesford Ceramic Exhibition in June 2024, which he organised to celebrate the work of many local ceramicists
Image: Kyle Barnes
